A leader in the field of nursing clinical simulation was recently recognized by her faculty for her contributions to research and scholarly activity.

Professor Judy Bornais, an ancillary learning specialist, received the Faculty of Nursing’s 2012 Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Award at a special event on May 17.

“Professor Bornais is a visionary educator who introduced the concept of clinical simulation to our faculty and made us a leading institution in this field,” said Maher El-Masri, the faculty’s Research Leadership Chair. “Her expertise in simulation is sought after by our local area hospitals and the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry - Windsor Program. She has an outstanding commitment to research and she’s developed a robust research program that’s been awarded by a number of publications, grants, and presentations.”

Dean of nursing Linda Patrick said she was especially proud of Bornais, who was also nominated in TVO’s annual Best Lecturer competition, and received the University of Windsor’s inaugural Nursing Faculty of the Year Award in 2011.

“We are also recognizing her for her many service contributions to the faculty, which include the creation of the Drama in Trauma Conference and for being a member of the planning group for the Patient Safety Conference,” Patrick added.

For her part, Bornais said she was honoured to receive the award.

“To have your accomplishments recognized by your peers like this is very special,” she said.

Besides Bornais’ award, a number of other faculty members were recognized for their achievements over the last year. Special recognition was paid to Karen McCullough, Vice President for Patient Services at Windsor Regional Hospital, for being a community leader who champions nursing research in Windsor.

“Not only does she facilitate our research at her organization, but she’s been exemplary in creating an evidence-based culture at her hospital,” El-Masri said of McCullough. “Every practice there is informed by research evidence.”